Planning the Future of Outdoor Recreation in Sligo
Introduction
Following the launch of the Embracing Irelands Outdoors, the National Outdoor Recreation Strategy 2023-2027, Sligo will, for the first time, embark on a journey which will result in the development of a County Outdoor Recreation Plan.
Arising from the National Strategy, six counties have been tasked with developing a plan. This work is now underway, and a Sligo Project Team is currently driving the work along with the Outdoor Recreation Officer for Sligo. We are fortunate to have an opportunity to shape the future of outdoor recreation in the county for the coming years. Having a county outdoor recreation plan will support a joined-up and cohesive approach to the development of outdoor recreation infrastructure at county level which will further align with the commitments identified in the National Strategy. Once the priorities for the Sligo plan are established and agreed, spending can be channeled accordingly.
What is Outdoor Recreation?
The National Strategy broadly defines outdoor recreation as a wide range of activities that take place in natural settings and range from leisurely activities such as walking and cycling to more adventurous pursuits like mountain biking, horse riding and climbing as well as a vast range of water sports. It also includes air activities such as paragliding. It doesn’t, however, include activities that take place on confined courses or pitches, or those activities involving motorised vehicles (except mobility aids).
The focus is on promoting outdoor activities that encourage people to engage with and enjoy our natural landscapes, while also ensuring that these activities are sustainable and accessible to both the residents of Sligo and to visitors near and afar.
Ultimately, we would like to see increased participation and improved health outcomes for people of all abilities, across a range of outdoor recreation activities in County Sligo.
At this stage, there are three key tasks to be undertaken:
- Engage in a process of consultation resulting in the development of a County Outdoor Recreation Plan for Sligo.
- Establish a County Outdoor Recreation Committee who will oversee the implementation of Sligo’s plan, and
- Establish a forum of relevant stakeholders and recreational users, that will meet twice yearly to be updated on the progress with the plan and play a role in contributing to its progression.
It is envisaged that the plan will be ready by April 2025, with a new County Outdoor Recreation Committee overseeing its implementation in the years ahead.
The Stakeholders Forum will be established in early 2025. It is anticipated that it will meet twice yearly to allow everyone the opportunity to participate on a continuous basis.
We need to hear from you!
To inform the priorities for the plan, we need to hear from a vast range of stakeholders and recreational users. Engaging in this process will ensure that the plan has every chance of success, as the stakeholders will have been involved in identifying the priorities for Sligo.
The outdoor recreation offerings across county Sligo present a wide range of possibilities suitable for a vast range of recreational users. The landscapes and waterscapes of Sligo are both distinct and unique, with that, there may be new opportunities to increase participation in outdoor recreation whilst also promoting positive physical and mental health benefits.
In undertaking this work, it is vital that we collectively play a significant role in safeguarding Sligo’s natural environment and protect its biodiversity and eco-habitats to allow for continued enjoyment of the outdoor recreation landscape.
Oversight and Governance
The work is currently being led by a Project Team which includes representatives from Sligo County Council, Sligo Leader Partnership, Coillte, Failte Ireland, Canoeing Ireland and Sligo Sport and Recreation Partnership. The Sligo Outdoor Recreation Officer is employed by the Sligo Sport and Recreation Partnership and will work to:
– Support the development of the Sligo plan
– Establish the county committee, and
– Facilitate the county stakeholder forum.
Outscape consultants have recently been appointed to assist with the consultation in Sligo. They are a reputable company that have vast experience with similar projects in other jurisdictions, including the development of that National Outdoor Recreation Strategy (2023-2027).
Outscape will work with the Project Team and the Outdoor Recreation Officer to ensure that the consultation for the Sligo plan has integrity and that the outcomes of the consultation will inform the plan. The consultation process will include collaborating with those involved in the outdoor recreation space including groups, clubs, agencies and relevant service providers at a range of levels.
If you have a keen interest in outdoor recreation and have some thoughts on what the priorities for the Sligo plan might be, then please get in touch.
If you would like further information or have any questions, please feel free to contact the Outdoor Recreation Officer, Trish Kane on 071-9161511 / 086 2036313 or email trish@sportandrecreation.ie
Related Documents:
Useful Links:
- Leave No Trace Website: https://www.leavenotraceireland.org/
- Failte Ireland; Outdoor Events Guidelines: https://www.failteireland.ie/FailteIreland/media/WebsiteStructure/Documents/outdoor-activity-events/outdoor-events-guide.pdf
- Outdoor Safety Checklist: https://www.sportireland.ie/sites/default/files/media/document/2021-01/outdoor-safety-checklist.pdf
- Boating and Watersport Checklist: https://www.sportireland.ie/sites/default/files/media/document/2021-01/boating-and-watersports-checklist.pdf
- Happy Hiking: https://www.sportireland.ie/sites/default/files/media/document/2022-09/Happy%20Hiking%20Leaflet.pdf